Hey people so we've come to last chapter. This chapter is going to be more like an epilogue. In this chapter we will see what happened when Sakura left and the events that followed. I am considering the possibility of a sequel but nothing is set in stone yet. Sorry to all the Sai fans. I wanted him to have a bigger part but his character is very hard for me to write for.
Well I'll get out of your hair now. Coming to you for the last time on this story we have Sai to present the summary and give the disclaimer. It's been a pleasure writing this story and I'm sorry to see it end. So without further ado please welcome Sai.
Sai: *enters to clapping and cheering from the crowd*. Thank you blabber mouth *Author twitches at the nickname* now here is the summary.
Summary: While out late one night being dragged around by his goofball friend Naruto, Sasuke suddenly feels like they are being followed. Next thing he knows is that they are surrounded by strange beings that clearly aren't human. One of them tries to attack and kill him when he is rescued by someone that oddly reminds him of his school principal based on her hair style choice. He learns the girl's name is Sakura and that she isn't alone, there are four others. Tenten, Ino, Hinata, and Sakura are a team joined together to fight the creatures that lurk in the night. They are known as the Midnight Assassins. After their impromptu rescue Hinata is injured and they disappear into the night. Sasuke can't help but wonder if he'll see his pink haired savior again, but he's in for a shock as our beautiful assassin is now attending school with him but she is hiding a secret what is it? Will Sasuke figure it out before he falls for her? As he peruses trying to find out he is slowly making her fall for him as well.
Author: Thank you Sai. Now if you'll give the disclaimer we can get on with the story for the last *sniff* and final *sniff, sniff* time.
Sai: Hai, Blabber mouth doesn't own me or the original cast of Naruto. She also does not own the original story line. She DOES own any characters that were given in the bonus part if the last chapter as well as this story line. For any question you have you should consult that part. If that does not answer your question feel free to waste her time, really she doesn't *BAM*...
Author: SAI YOU IDIOT! THEY WOULDN'T BE WAISTING My time...
Sakura: Please excuse the yelling and disregard all the bams, crashes, and bangs you hear. Now let's get on with the story!
Chapter 16 (Epilogue) The End?
Two months later.
Ino's P.O.V.
I still couldn't believe she just left. We waited for her that night on the edge of the woods. Sasuke showed up after an hour. He looked, well I don't know how to describe it. How do you put into words the look of a guy who never really shows any emotion but looks like he just lost his the most important thing to him and is doing a good job at hiding it?
I don't know what happened really. All I know is that night everything changed and I honestly can't say it was for the better. Thinking back now I realize maybe I was too hard on Sasuke.
FLASHBACK!
It didn't take long for us to break through the trees. Shikamaru decided to call a stop even though Sakura said she would meet us back at the base. For now we needed to check on Hinata. See if she was all right. Sakura didn't tell us if anything was wrong with her so we didn't know. Checking that out took a little longer than it normally would have because the baka Naruto refused to set her down.
I was beginning to worry now. The sun would be rising soon and neither one had shown up yet. What was taking them so long? First Sakura spends half an hour inside Kabuto's hideout doing god knows what and now they are taking forever to show up? What gives? "Forehead is so getting an earful when she gets here. Doesn't she know what time it is? I want to go to bed already"!
Shikamaru came to stand beside me now. He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me into his side. Quietly saying "troublesome woman quit complaining. I want to go to sleep too".
Finally twenty minutes later Itachi and Naomi said someone was approaching. What made that funny was that they said it at the same time. They looked at each other and Naomi looked away a blush on her cheeks.
Sasuke stepped thought the trees. I expected Sakura to be behind him so I started to poke at him. "About time. What took you two love birds so long"? His head shot up and the look on his face stopped my next comment. He looked lost and his eyes looked dead. The usual glint to them was gone. His eyes just looked washed out.
By now he had completely stepped out of the shade of the trees. I could see that Sakura wasn't with him. Naruto was the first to ask and god how I wished he hadn't. "Where's Sakura-Chan"? Sasuke turned and looked at his best friend. "She's gone. She left. I don't know when she's coming back so don't ask". Naomi came up in front of Sasuke now. She put her hands on his shoulders making him look at her. "What do you mean gone"? Sasuke shook his head. He didn't answer her question. He just turned around and left.
We went to her house and searched it. Seeing if anyone had been there. Sakura obviously had since her room door was cracked open. She was almost religious about keeping it closed. I'd never been in it because she didn't like anyone going in so I had no idea what it looked like.
Pushing open the door now I noticed she'd been rushing around. Sakura hated messes and I knew from the amount of time I'd spent in her room at HQ she never left stuff half open.
Her room was really nice not to mention huge. Her walls were painted a shade of blue that was verging on purple. She had a queen sized bed with black sheets and pillows against one wall on the opposite side of the balcony doors. Her dresser (which the drawers we're hanging out of) was dark mahogany and matched the frame of the canopy of her bed as well as the desk situated near the doors. There was a square shape on the desk and I figured a laptop had been there
Her closet was also open and only a few things remained. She hadn't taken her formal dresses and her more dressy shoes were still in the cubby holes. The rest of the closet was empty. I was about to turn out the light and leave when a box caught my eye. It was labeled family and friends. Opening it I found a letter.
END OF FLASHBACK!
Now that I remember it that letter had been for Tsunade-Sama. The things in the box had been for all of us. There was a bunch of random stuff in it. Some of them were even wrapped. Which made sense as we had a few birthdays coming up. Tsunade's had been first being on the second, Kakashi's was next Shikamaru, with mine following the next day, then Naruto's and finally Naomi's on the thirty first of October. Man we have a lot of birthdays in those months.
No one really saw much of Sasuke these days. He took on missions by himself and once in a while Naruto would go with him, but that was it. Tsunade-Sama only gave him missions that could be taken on by one person.
I'd only seen Sasuke twice since that night and both times had been unintentional. The first time I was coming out of Tsunade's office and he was going in to see her. He didn't say anything he just nodded and was gone.
The next time three weeks later I was heading out on a mission and he was just coming in from one alone as usual. He actually said something this time. "Ino" and that was it. Nothing else. I haven't even had a glimpse of him at all. The only one who knows anything is Naruto. I seem to be having really bad luck because I haven't seen him lately either. In fact now that I think about I haven't seen Hinata either. Where is everyone going?
Six Months later
Naruto's P.O.V.
Sasuke and I were out on a mission the other day when he caught sight of something. He just froze and stared. Right in front of us was a fairly short figure. The person wore a cloak so it was hard to tell who it was but he seemed to know. Two other cloaked people broke out of the trees then but Sasuke was still looking at the first person. It was almost like he was transfixed on their figure.
I didn't know what to do. These guys were vampires but they didn't pose a threat. Which was odd. Never seen a vampire that's not a threat before. Sakura was an exception. She wasn't a vampire not fully.
A fierce wind blew through the clearing then. It had been threatening to snow for days. It was very cold now. Even more so when the sun was down. The gust of wind knocked the hoods of the cloaked people off. I heard Sasuke whisper beside me and I snapped my head over to look in his direction. Sakura was standing not three feet from us. A guy with white hair was to her left and a bigger orange haired guy stood beside him.
She had changed in the time she'd been gone. Her hair was still that icy pink color at least her eyes were the right color. Apple green. They held none of the usual warmth that I was used to seeing from her. Now they reflected the icy wind that blew around us. What happened in the time she'd been gone?
"S-Sakura-Chan"! I exclaimed in surprise. She hasn't been seen in over eight months now. Was she coming home? No, I don't think so. Otherwise she wouldn't be so far from the border of Konoha. I decided to ask anyways. Nothing was the same without her.
I opened my mouth to speak when I caught the glint of something green. The necklace I'd given her to hold onto so she had a reason to comeback was still around her neck. She was wearing it. Sakura followed my line of vision down to the green crystal.
Finally she said something. "You told me to hold onto it so I had a reason to come back. I'm sorry Naruto I'm not coming back, not yet". She turned to look at Sasuke then and sadness cracked through the cold look in her eyes. "I'm sorry Sasuke. It was selfish of me to ask you to wait for me to come back. I'm searching for something and I don't know if I'll find it. I may never find it. So I don't want you to wait for me anymore. Don't live your life alone. Find someone to spend it with and maybe someday I could see you again".
A small tear rolled down her cheek from the corner of her eye. Her hand parted the folds of her cloak and brushed it away. The wind roared through the trees again and it caught the open edge of her cloak and blew it open. Allowing us to see what she was wearing for the first time.
She wore a short dark red kimono style shirt that didn't have sleeves and was tied with a black obi. She was also wearing a long black skirt that was slit up both sides to her thighs. Under that was a pair of dark red shorts that matched her shirt. A thin belt was tied around her waist and her katana sheath hung from it. A pair of gloves went up her arm stopping under her shoulders. The gloves were fingerless and a strap went across her palm holding the back of the glove down. (A/N Think of the gloves Sasuke was wearing in Shippuden when you first see him again. That's where I got the idea). A pair of dark red low heeled boots were on her feet.
Sakura took a step closer to Sasuke and opened her mouth to speak when one of her companions called out to her. It was the guy with the orange hair. "Sakura-San it's time to go or we'll miss the connection for our flight". She bowed her head for a second nodding.
"Yes I know, could you give me two minutes"? They both nodded and the white haired guy came over to me and draped an arm around my shoulder leading me away. "Hey I'm Suigetsu. So your Naruto huh? Sakura's told us a lot about you guys. She speaks of you and the others often but not much about the other guy Sasuke".
I figured that would be the case. It's hard to talk about the one you love when you've been separated from them indefinitely. "That's Jugo. He doesn't speak much". He added in an afterthought. "What are you searching for"? I asked. She had mentioned it before. "Sorry we're not allowed to say. Sakura-San asked us not to". He looked over to the direction we'd come. Sakura was standing there. She pulled her hood back up and motioned with her hand for us to come back.
I ran up to her and gave her a good squeeze. She seemed surprised and didn't move at first. Slowly her hands came up and returned the hug. "You have to come back Sakura-Chan. Everyone misses you". She released me and stepped away. "I'm sorry Naruto. This is something I have to do. I have a favor to ask but it's up to you to refuse me or not. I don't want you to tell the others you saw me. Shishou only. Give her this letter. I don't want them to be hurt because I came close but didn't come home". She handed me the letter and disappeared into the trees again. A minute later Sasuke appeared and the snow started to fall. It came down softly coating everything in a white blanket.
A year and four months later
Naomi's P.O.V.
We did it. We finally did it. Two months ago we took on Madara. It wasn't an easy battle in fact we almost lost. If someone unexpected hadn't shown up we would have. Unfortunately we didn't kill him. Madara has become an immortal. He was severely weakened though. He wouldn't be a problem for a long time. Especially since we took out his followers. My hand moved up to touch the place where bandages were still wrapped. The injury was finally closed up but it would be a while longer before it was fully healed.
FLASHBACK!
We were assigned to be in teams of four. Tsunade-Sama put me together with Itachi, Konan, and Pein. Sasuke was paired up with Naruto, Hinata, and Sai. Ino was paired with Shikamaru, Chouji, and Kiba. Since Akamaru went where ever Kiba did it was only natural that he was part of that team. Tenten, Neji, Shino, and Lee made up another team.
Deidara, Sasori, Tobi, and Zetsu. The next team was just a two man team. Kakuzu and Hidan. The next team was just girls Chloe, Lily, Sophia, and Felicia. Aiden, Joshua, Alex, and Jose made the last team. She had all of us go because Madara was strong. She remembered how Sakura had described him. He had basically tossed her around like a twig. So we needed everyone we could get.
That being said no one had wanted to go without Sakura. That wasn't an option anymore and something needed to be done. Madara had been on the move recently and the vampires had been massing up in shocking numbers. Making solo missions impossible. Recently two teams had been needed to accomplish anything.
So Sai had been assigned the task of locating Madara's new base of operations. That had taken over three months. It had been incredibly hard to find it. That wasn't important now because we were finally here.
My team was supposed to enter the base next we just had to wait for the signal from the first team telling us the way was cleared.
Two minutes later the signal was given and we entered. Dim lights lined the hall on either side just holding the darkness at bay. This place was more of a cave than an actual building. No wonder it was so hard to find. He was hiding out in a cave that was located at the base of a huge mountain like hill.
We haven't in countered much resistance. Except for the odd vampire here and there. The first team had done a good job clearing the way. A small explosion echoed far up ahead. They had most likely met a bigger group of vampires. Up ahead the tunnel branched in two. The first team had gone left. The piles of ash and scorch marks proved that. So we made the decision to go right. No lamps were lit for a good portion of the way. Itachi was weary that some of the vampires his in the dark so he pulled out a flash bomb and tossed it down the hall. Everything lit up for a few brief moments.
There was a small group of vampires waiting half way down. Hisses littered the air. The vampires cover was blown and they weren't happy about it. I stowed my guns away and drew two tanto. Most hunters prefer a traditional katana. I've always favored the short sword.
Taking a running start as Itachi bent down on one knee I jumped over him and landed a few feet in front of him. Swinging my right arm behind me I took out the vampire that was trying to sneak up on me. I was up and moving again before the ash hit the ground.
A vampire lunged forward from the front line with a spear. The end of it that was pointed at me was very sharp. I jumped back in time to avoid being stabbed. To distract him I threw another bomb. This one was filled with Holy water. It exploded over the vicinity of the hall and took out most of the vampires.
The ones that were left were hissing in pain as the water burned them. The only one who seemed unaffected was wielding the spear. He observed his fallen comrades before turning around and blurring out of sight.
Pein and Konan took care of the rest of the vampires. We called for the next group of people to come in and proceeded down the hall. We didn't encounter anyone else and soon came to a large door. We silently agreed to open it and found ourselves in a large room. It was still pretty dark so I couldn't see the ceiling but I knew the room was big.
A carved stone chair and figure sat in the middle of the room. The vampire with the spear from before was in front of the stone carving. Suddenly a voice echoed out from the middle of the room. "Welcome to my home hunters. My subordinate tells me you have the entire place surrounded. Unfortunately for you, you're not welcome". The voice came from the stone chair and the figure that I had previously taken for a carving moved.
I ran forward. Ignoring the silent protests from Itachi to hold my ground. This bastard had made Sakura suffer and he was going to pay. "Why surround yourself with so many subordinates? Are you afraid? Huh, you coward"! Taunting him was probably the worst thing to do but I didn't care. All I wanted was to eliminate him.
His cruel laugher echoed around the room for a short minute. He snapped his fingers and the vampire with the spear sprung up. "Shi, eliminate them. Start with the girl. I'm tired of playing games". Said vampire drew his spear once more and turned to face me. Uttering a quick "yes Madara-Sama".
I shook Itachi's hand off my shoulder and dashed forward. My tanto drawn and at the ready. Sparks flew as blades met and slid off each other. We managed to nick each other in various places but none were to any vital places and only drew small trickles of blood.
I forgot that Madara was here in the same room as me, and the fact that Itachi, Konan, Pein, and others were now in the room. It was just me and the vamp. I didn't hear anything from the others for a long time.
The bad thing about being a human and facing a vampire? Eventually you get tired. I don't know how long we battled. It seemed like only a few seconds but in reality we'd been going at it for almost an hour. My senses started to slow down as did my reaction time. I was about to jump back to catch my breath when a sudden cry echoed in the room. A name was being called out.
I made the mistake of looking up to locate the source of the noise. Suddenly fire irrupted from my left side. I dropped my tantos and looked down. The vampires spear stuck through me. Almost in the middle of my stomach. I dropped to my knees in surprise. The spear had been thrown at me and since I wasn't looking it had passed under my guard and struck me.
The rustle of clothes sounded nearby and pale pink entered my vision. I looked up into familiar apple green eyes. "S-Sakura, your here? I missed you". Sakura shushed me and turned her head, I vaguely heard her call Itachi over. She gave him a few instructions and he nodded quickly. He placed his hands on my shoulders to hold me down while Sakura wrapped her hands around the spear. Giving it a harsh tug she yanked it out of me. I couldn't stop the scream that managed to skip between my clenched teeth. This hurt like hell.
Sakura was digging through a pouch now. She produced a thick pad of gauze and a roll of bandages. Itachi helped me sit up enough so that the bandage could be wound around me easier. Sakura pulled my shirt out the way and wrapped it up quickly. After she was done Itachi lay me back down on the ground.
Sakura picked me up and pulled me across her lap. Adjusting me so that my neck rested on her arm. She brought the wrist of her free arm up to her mouth and bit down. Her eyes closed as a small trickle of blood ran around her wrist. The two trails connected and formed what almost looked like a bracelet. She pulled her wrist away from her mouth and lowered it to mine.
"W-what are you doing"? I managed to say weakly. My voice sounded far away even to my ears. "I'm giving you some of my blood. You know I have accelerated healing so it will save you. I can't let you die Nao-Nee chan". I stopped resisting after that. Besides, I didn't have the energy to fight anymore.
FLASHBACK INTERRUPTION!
I can't remember exactly what happened after that. All I know is that her blood healed me enough that I was no longer dying. I was borderline then. Despite being so injured I still got up and continued to fight.
END OF INTERRUPTION!
Sakura set me down again and stood up. She walked over to the vampire called Shi. She unbuckled her cloak as she went and it fell to the ground. Two people were instantly at her side. One had white hair and was fairly short compared to the other guy. He was huge and had wild orange hair. She said something to them and they disappeared instantly. She drew her katana and vanished.
When she reappeared the vampire Shi was frozen. Sakura was bent down on one knee and slid the katana back into its sheath. The vampire burst into ash as she rose up.
Then she made her way over to Madara who was currently faring better than expected against Sasuke, Neji, Shikamaru, and Naruto. She shouted out to him halting the fight. The boys stared at her but she was focused on her words. "Madara! You wanted me? Well here I am"! He looked amused by this. "Ah Sakura-Chan! Been a long time hasn't it? What is it now? One year, two, maybe three? Have you finally come to your senses and decided to join me"?
She pulled out a kunai knife and threw it. The knife sailed through the air cutting his shoulder before embedding itself in the far wall. "Don't count on it. I'll never join you. No I've come to end you"!
The fight started and they moved around the room with such speed you couldn't see it happen. The only proof you had that they were even fighting was the clashes and clangs echoing around the room. Not to mention the odd kunai that sometimes came out of nowhere.
Not too much later the fighting stopped. Sakura was still standing despite the numerous injuries she'd received. Though she had fared better than Madara. He was kneeling in the ground clutching his shoulder where the kunai had sliced earlier. The injury wasn't healed. No in fact it looked ten times worse. It had taken on an odd purple color. Almost like a bruise. A smirk was painted across Sakura's face and this only seemed to make him angrier.
"You remember that cut you received earlier? Well it was laced with a very special poison. One of which I created and there is no cure for. It targets the cells of a vampire and infects it with the properties of Holy water and Silver. Completely destroying the cell, as it moves on it multiplies and grows bigger. It works slower than regular Holy water since it targets on a much smaller scale. In other words its eating you alive from the inside".
"I know it won't kill you however because your an immortal, it will just continually weaken you. Did I happen to mention that once the poison comes into contact with a vital organ it becomes increasingly painful"? Once she finishes speaking she pulled out three bombs. Each was filled with the poison. She tossed them all in the direction of Madara then ran towards us.
"Those bombs are set to go off in two minutes. We have to get out of here. Especially you Nao-Nee chan. You have my blood in your system now so it will affect you too". Itachi scooped me up and we dashed for the exit. Sakura was tossing different bombs behind us as we went.
It seemed to take forever to find the exit. Maybe it's just because I was so tired. What little strength I'd had before was leaving me. I wanted to give Sakura a stern talking to for leaving like that. She never even told me she where she was going much less the fact that she would leave at all.
Despite holding on to my reason for staying awake it wasn't working. Exhaustion had a firm grip on me. It didn't help that I had some major blood loss either. I felt dizzy as we dashed through the tunnels. Everything was moving too fast. I couldn't even open my mouth to say anything either. I had no strength left. It only dawned on me now that I was losing the battle with my eyelids. Already they were half closed. Itachi glanced down at me when I shifted. Taking note of my current state. "Sleep Naomi, you're tired. I can see you don't want to but it's for the best now". My body started listening to Itachi and not me. My eyes slid closed of their own accord and a minute later I was asleep.
END OF FLASHBACK!
I woke up in the hospital a week later. Somehow it didn't surprise me that I'd slept for so long. The injuries I had were serious and by all rights I should have died. I didn't because Sakura gave me her blood. Which healed me enough to stay alive. Bandages had been wound tightly around my stomach stopping just under my chest.
I had to stay in the hospital for three weeks. It was torture. That wasn't even the worst part though. I learned that after we exited Madara's hideout and it blew up Sakura had taken off again. She didn't even say goodbye. She just left.
Damn I really got to stop thinking about that. It's time for me to go back to the hospital and get my injuries checked out to see if the stitches can come out. If so then I won't have to where this wrap around bandage anymore. Just a big gauze pad taped to the front side of me and on my back. The spear had gone through me. Let me tell you I never want to feel that again. Well it's time to go Itachi insisted on taking me to the hospital. So I let him.
Sasuke's P.O.V.
A total of four years have passed since Sakura left the first time. I haven't seen her in two years. No one even knows where she is. She hasn't been spotted by the other branches. The last time she was seen was about two months after Naomi was released from the hospital. She was seen in Australia. What she was doing there I don't know.
Lily, Chloe, Joshua, and Aiden were the ones who saw her. They had gone back for a few months to spend some time at home and discuss transferring. They liked being here and wanted to stay at the branch here. The team from Mexico also made that choice.
I still remember what Sakura told me that night when I first saw her after eight months. She had given a letter to Naruto for Tsunade. It had been an explanation of a plan that she had. Turns out it was the attack plan she came up with. No one except me Naruto and Tsunade know she was so close to us that night. Hell they still don't know.
That night she had asked me not to wait for her anymore. She said she didn't want to hurt me anymore. She didn't realize that making such a request was hurting me. Sakura is the only one for me. So even if it takes forever I'll wait for her. She is my everything. She is my forever.
Sakura's P.O.V.
I couldn't believe it. After all this time. I'd finally found it. The one thing that could help us defeat Madara. Suigetsu, Jugo, and I have been chasing anything from legends to rumors. They caught wind of an item that could take away a vampires immortality and make him human.
The only problem was that this item had been surrounded by myths, legends, and wild stories spun by people looking to catch the interest of a traveler. So sorting fact from fiction had taken a good long while. Another problem arose and we didn't learn of it till much later on. This thing that we were seeking was centered in an ancient prophecy. It went something like this:
"Take not that which you seek less your intentions be true and your heart pure. Thy whom may hold this sacred item be of half blood. Rejoice for that which you most desire will come onto you in a time most dire. Touch the stone to that which you despise and a change will happen before your very eyes".
The rest of the prophecy had been lost, simply forgotten with time. Luckily the main portion of it remained. According to the legend we followed the item was surrounded with many obstacles.
We know knew this to be true. Having followed it and gone through all the troubles. The item was actually a stone. Deep red in color, it kind of reminded me of a large ruby. Though not as heavy. The stone was as big as my hand. Though at the moment it was tucked into my pouch that I usually strapped to my waist.
Finally after so long I was going home. I couldn't wait to see everyone again. Naruto's loudness, Shikamaru and Ino's bickering. Hinata's quiet and shyness. I missed everyone. A knock sounded on the door of the hotel we were staying at. "Who is it"? A shuffling sounded before Jugo's quiet voice came. "Sakura-San the plane leaves in an hour so I think we should head out in about twenty minutes. Suigetsu and I are almost ready".
"Okay"! I hollered back and hoped out of bed.
I stepped into the bathroom and turned the light on. My hair had change four years ago. Instead of a shade closer to the color of an actual cherry blossom it was pale. I shrugged and untied the ribbon holding it up in a bun. It fell down my back and stopped under my ass. I wanted to get it trimmed but I couldn't find the motivation to do so. Now I had to deal with the fact that it takes longer to wash, dry, and brush. Oh well I don't really mind. Thinking about it now my hair is now as long as my mother's used to be.
I stripped my clothes off and stepped into the shower. I had a lot on my mind so I washed my hair and body absent mindedly. After stepping out I wrapped my hair up in the towel and dried off as I stepped into the room. It was spring now and the weather was nice outside. Not that the weather ever affected me, it would look weird if I was dressed for cold weather in the spring.
Digging through my bag my hands touched a soft material. Pulling it out I realized it was my long skirt. The black one slit up both sides. Digging through my bag again I pulled out my dark red shirt and the black obi. Digging around in my bag again I found my sandals and gloves.
After finding clothes I pulled the towel from my hair and then dried it. After my hair was all brushed and dried I put it in the usual style. Two low ponytails just like my Shishou. After that I slipped my clothes on and packed up the rest of my stuff neatly. Then I made the bed and slipped my shoes on. I folded my cloak over my arm and stepped out of the room.
Suigetsu and Jugo were already waiting for me. We walked down the stairs and I approached the front desk. The boy who had checked us in two weeks ago was there again. His face reddened at my approach. Suigetsu liked to say the boy had a thing for me. Looking at his red face now I could see it was true.
"Hi, I'm here to return the room keys and pay the bill". I placed the two key cards down on the desk. He hesitantly picked them up and punched in a few numbers on the computers keyboard. He named the total bill and I didn't even flinch as I pulled out the appropriate amount of money.
We headed to the airport next, being that I'd chosen the hotel closest to the airport this took about ten minutes. I think I dozed off after we took off because the next thing I know Suigetsu is nudging me awake and telling me the plane is about to land in Konoha.
That had my attention. Had I really been sleep for six hours? Looking out the window I got my answer. The sun was already past the halfway point. Judging on the current position I'd say it was almost three in the afternoon. Finally we landed and we were able to exit the plane. Then we got our bags and we were headed out.
Not wanting to waste time in driving a car we decided to run. I was getting nervous. The closer we got. I knew I was probably in hot water with everyone for just taking off without saying anything. Hell I didn't even say why I was going. I just left. Thinking about that now I felt my heart squeeze. No! I needed to remain positive. I had good reasons. We were almost to the base now. It won't be much longer.
Tsunade's P.O.V.
I knew something was going to happen today. I could feel it when I woke up. So far nothing has happened and the day is more than half over. Maybe I was wrong. We haven't had much happen in the last two and a half years. Aside from Itachi and Naomi settling their problems and getting engaged. The only other thing that happened was the two teams who had transferred to this branch.
Turning my head I looked at the pictures on the desk. A few were of Dan and my little brother Nawaki. The rest were of Sakura and the girls. One of the pictures held all the guys grouped together. Naruto was being punched in the head by Sasuke who had an irritated expression on his face. Neji was smirking, Shikamaru looked bored and Itachi had a smile crossed with a smirk on his face.
I picked up the picture of Sakura. In this one she was sitting on Naruto's shoulders. They were goofing around on her birthday and he had picked her up and put her on his shoulders. If you look at the picture close enough you can see Sasuke's hands holding her up. Naruto didn't have the best grip on her. As a matter of fact if I remember correctly after the picture was taken she had fallen backwards off Naruto's shoulders and Sasuke had to catch her. She had been laughing the whole time.
A knock at the door broke through my thoughts and I set the picture down. I called for them to come in. Hinata, Tenten, and Ino burst through the door each with an expression of shock on their faces.
Tenten finally gained her composure and spoke. "Tsunade-Sama! We've picked up on three people approaching the base at incredible speeds. One of them has a heartbeat"! I was up and out of my chair and across the room in seconds. I placed my hands on her shoulders. "Are you completely sure of this Tenten"? She nodded and led the way downstairs and out the door.
Sure enough off in the distance three people were closing in. The sun prevented me from seeing exactly who they were. I knew without a doubt who one of them was. I ran forward and the person in the middle disappeared. Next thing I knew they had reappeared right in front of me.
"Sakura, you're back".
Okay people you'll probably hate me for this but this is the end. Midnight Assassins has come to an end. This story is now complete. Thanks for all your support, encouragement, and patience. As I said before I've yet to decide on a sequel. I know I said I was going to work on my other story Goodbye Isn't Forever but I still haven't come up with a new chapter. Instead I've come up with a new story. Chapter one is still in the works and shall be titled The Color Red. It will also be a Naruto fic. The pairing shall be Minato and Kushina. I will try to get past the block I've hit with my other story I promise.
So for the very last time on this story I'm closing it. Reviews are much appreciated flames are not. If you don't like the story then don't read it. Simple as that. Kisses to all my wonderful and faithful readers/reviewers.
-SasuSaku993 Out-